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[[Image:ChristCopticArt.jpg|frame|Coptic icon of Christ - Coptic Art]]The '''Coptic Orthodox ChristianityChurch''' is the indigenous form portion of the [[ChristianityChurch of Alexandria]] that, according to tradition, which broke from the apostle [[St. Mark the Evangelist|Mark]] established in [[Egypt]] Byzantine churches in the middle wake of the [[1st centuryFourth Ecumenical Council]] AD (approximately in [[60|AD 60Chalcedon]])in 451. It is Sharing a common heritage before with the national church Chalcedonian Church of Alexandria, it traces its origins to the [[EgyptApostle Mark]]. The church is one of the [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox]] churches. Its leader is the Coptic Pope of Alexandria, currently [[Patriarch Theodore II (Sobhi Baki Soleiman) of Alexandria|Pope Theodore II]]. The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria cares for about 18 million Coptic Orthodox Christians in Egypt and abroad, besides being the Patriarch Mother Church of both the Holy See [[Church of Saint MarkEthiopia|Ethiopian]]. The current incumbent is and [[Shenouda III Church of AlexandriaEritrea|Pope Shenouda IIIEritrean]]Orthodox Tewahido Churches. More than 95% of the Christians of Egypt are Coptic Orthodox, but other "Patriarchates/Patriarchs of Alexandria" also exist (Coptic Catholic, Greek/Latin Catholic and Greek Orthodox - see 'Coptic Christianity Today' below), as well as small Protestant and Anglican denominations. {{orientalchurches}}

 ==Highly recommended key The Coptic Web links Church regards itself as having never believed in [[monophysitism]] the way it was portrayed in the Council of Chalcedon, but rather as having always believed in [[miaphysitism]] (in Englisha doctrine that [[Oriental Orthodox]] Churches regard as correct and orthodox)==* [http://www.zeitun-egIn that council, monophysitism meant believing in one nature of Jesus Christ.org Virgin Mary Apparitions over Copts believe that the domes of Her Coptic Orthodox Church Lord is perfect in Zeitunhis divinity, Cairoand he is perfect in his humanity, Egyptbut his divinity and His humanity were united in one nature called "the nature of the incarnate Word, 1968 - seen " which was articulated by millionsSt. [[Cyril of Alexandria]]* [http://www.zeitun-eg.net/stcyril6/ The late Coptic Pope Kyrillos VI Copts thus believe in two natures "human" and "divine" that are united in one "without mingling, without confusion, and without alteration" (Kyrollos or Cyril from the Sixth), 116th Pope declaration of Alexandria and See faith at the end of Stthe Coptic divine liturgy). Mark These two natures "did not separate for a moment or the twinkling of an eye" (also from the declaration of faith at the end of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch, 1959-1971divine liturgy)]* [http://www.stmina-monastery.org St. Mina (Menas) Coptic Orthodox Monastery in Mariut, near Alexandria, Egypt]

[[EgyptImage:CopticAltar.jpg|thumb|200px|right|A Coptic altar in Jerusalem]] Egypt is often identified as the place of refuge that the [[The Holy Family in Egypt|Holy Family]] sought in its flight from [[Judea]]: "When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of [[Herod]], that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ''Out of Egypt I called My Son''" ([[Gospel of Matthew the Evangelist|Matthew]] 2:12-23). The Egyptian Church, which is now more than nineteen centuries old, was the subject of many prophecies in the [[Old Testament]]. [[Isaiah]] the prophet, in Chapter 19, Verse 19 says "In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border."

The first [[Christian]]s Christians in Egypt were mainly [[Alexandria]]n [[Jew]]s Alexandrian Jews such as [[Theophilus (Biblical)|Theophilus]], whom the [[Apostle Luke the Evangelist|Saint Luke the Evangelist]] addresses in the introductory chapter of his [[Gospel of Luke|gospel]]. When the church was founded by [[Saint Apostle Mark|Mark]] during the reign of the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] [[emperor]] [[Nero]], a great multitude of native Egyptians (as opposed to Greeks or Jews) embraced the Christian faith. [[Christianity]] spread throughout Egypt within half a century of Mark's arrival in Alexandria as is clear from the [[New Testament]] writings found in [[Oxyrhynchus|Bahnasa]], in [[Middle Egypt]], which date around the year 200 AD, and a fragment of the [[Gospel of John|Gospel of Saint John]], written in [[Coptic language|Coptic]], which was found in [[Upper Egypt]] and can be dated to the first half of the second century. In the [[2nd century|second century]] [[Christianity]] began to spread to the rural areas, and scriptures were translated into the local language, namely [[Coptic Language|Coptic]].

The [[Catechetical School of Alexandria ]] is the oldest catechetical school in the world. Founded around 190 by the scholar [[Pantanaeus of Alexandria|Pantanaeus]], the school of Alexandria became an important institution of religious learning, where students were taught by scholars such as [[Athenagoras of Athens|Athenagoras]], [[Clement of Alexandria|Clement]], [[Didymus the Blind|Didymus]], and the great [[Origen]], who was considered the father of theology and who was also active in the field of commentary and comparative Biblical studies. Origen wrote over 6,000 commentaries of the [[Bible]] in addition to his famous ''[[Hexapla]]''. Many scholars such as St. [[Saint Jerome]] visited the school of Alexandria to exchange ideas and to communicate directly with its scholars. The scope of this school was not limited to theological subjects; science, mathematics and humanities were also taught there. The question and answer method of commentary began there, and 15 centuries before [[Braille]], wood-carving techniques were in use there by blind scholars to read and write.

The Theological college of the catechetical school of Alexandria was re-established in 1893. The new school currently has campuses in Alexandria, [[Cairo]], [[New Jersey]], and [[Los Angeles]], where Coptic priests-to-be and other qualified men and women are taught among other subjects Christian theology, history, [[Coptic language]] and art - —including chanting, music, [[iconography]], and tapestry.

In the [[3rd century|third century]], during the persecution of [[Decius]], some Christians fled to the desert, and remained there to pray after the persecutions abated. This was the beginning of the [[Monasticismmonasticism|monastic movement]], which was reorganized by the saints [[Saint Anthony the Great|Anthony the Great]] and [[Pachomius the Great|Pachomius]] in the [[4th century]]. By the end of the century, there were hundreds of monasteries, and thousands of cells and caves scattered throughout the Egyptian hills. A number of these monasteries are still flourishing and have new vocations till this day. Egyptian monasticism attracted the attention of Christians in other parts of the world, who visited Egypt, many bringing monastic ideas home with them, and spreading monasticism through the Christian world. [[Saint Basil]], organizer of the monastic movement in [[Asia Minor]] visited Egypt around AD [[357]] and his rule is followed by the eastern Churches; Saint Jerome, en route to [[Jerusalem]], stopped in Egypt and left details of his experiences in his letters; [[Benedict of Nursia|Saint Benedict]] founded monasteries in the [[6th century]] on the model of Pachomius, but in a stricter form. === Council of Nicaea ===In the 4th century, a [[Libya]]n priest called [[Arianism|Arius]] started a theological dispute about the nature of Christ that spread throughout the Christian world. The [[Ecumenical Council of Nicaea]] ([[325]]) was convened by [[Constantine I (emperor)|Constantine]] to resolve the dispute and eventually led to the formulation of the Symbol of Faith, also known as the [[Nicene Creed]]. The Creed, which is now recited throughout the Christian world, was authored by [[Athanasius of Alexandria|Saint Athanasius the Apostolic]], the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria. === Council of Constantinople ===In the year [[381]], [[Timothy I of Alexandria]] presided over the second ecumenical council known as the Ecumenical [[First Council of Constantinople|Council of Constantinople]], which completed the [[Nicene Creed]] with this confirmation of the divinity of the [[Holy Spirit]]:  :"We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-giver, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified who spoke by the Prophets and in one Holy Universal Apostolic Church. We confess one Baptism for the remission of sins and we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the coming age, Amen." === Council of Ephesus ===[[Image:CopticAltar.jpg|thumb|left|Coptic Altar in Jerusalem]]Another theological dispute in the [[5th century]] occurred over the teachings of [[Nestorius]], a Patriarch of Constantinople who taught that God the Word was not [[hypostatically]] joined with human nature, but rather dwelt in the man Jesus. As a consequence of this, he denied the title "Mother of God" ''([[Theotokos]])'' to the [[Virgin Mary]], declaring her instead to be "Mother of Christ" ''(Christotokos)''. When reports of this reached the Apostolic Throne of [[Mark the Evangelist|Saint Mark]], the incumbent acted quickly to "correct" this breach with orthodoxy, requesting that Nestorius repent. When he would not, the Synod of Alexandria met in an emergency session and a unanimous agreement was reached. Pope [[Cyril of Alexandria|Cyril I of Alexandria]], supported by the entire See, sent a letter to Nestorius known as "The Third Epistle of Saint Cyril to Nestorius." This epistle drew heavily on the established Patristic Constitutions and contained the most famous article of Alexandrian Orthodoxy: "The Twelve Anathemas of Saint Cyril." In these [[anathema]]s, Cyril excommunicated anyone who followed the teachings of Nestorius. For example, "Anyone who dares to deny the [[Virgin Mary|Holy Virgin]] the title ''Theotokos'' is Anathema!" Nestorius however, still would not repent and so this led to the convening of the [[First Ecumenical Council of Ephesus]] ([[431]]), over which Cyril presided. The [[First Ecumenical Council of Ephesus]] confirmed the teachings of [[Athanasius of Alexandria|Saint Athanasius]] and confirmed the title of the Holy Ever-Virgin Mary as "Mother of God". It also clearly stated that anyone who separated [[Christ]] into two hypostases was anathema, as Athanasius had said that there is "One Nature and One Hypostasis for God the Word Incarnate" (Mia Physis kai Mia Hypostasis tou Theou Logou Sasarkomeni). Also, the introduction to the creed was formulated as follows: :"We magnify you O Mother of the True Light and we glorify you O saint and Mother of God ''(Theotokos)'' for you have borne unto us the Saviour of the world. Glory to you O our Master and King: Christ, the pride of the Apostles, the crown of the martyrs, the rejoicing of the righteous, firminess of the churches and the forgiveness of sins. We proclaim the Holy Trinity in One Godhead: we worship Him, we glorify Him, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord bless us, Amen."

The Orthodox faith is considered to have prevailed at Egyptian monasticism attracted the attention of Christians in other parts of the world, who visited Egypt, many bringing monastic ideas home with them, and spreading monasticism through the councilChristian world. Unfortunately, Cyril of Alexandria died soon afterwardsSt. [[Dioscorus of Alexandria|Saint DioscorusBasil the Great]], the archdeacon organizer of Alexandria (considered a saint by the non-Chalcedonians but a heretic monastic movement in Asia Minor visited Egypt around AD 357 and his rule is followed by the Eastern Orthodox eastern churches; St. Jerome, en route to Jerusalem, stopped in Egypt and Roman Catholics) was elected as Cyril's replacementleft details of his experiences in his letters; St. The Nestorians took [[Benedict of Nursia]] founded monasteries in the opportunity 6th century on the model of Cyril's death to revive their campaign against Cyrillian ChristologyPachomius, but in a stricter form.

{{oriental}} By the time the [[Fourth Ecumenical Council|Council of Chalcedon]] was called, politics had already started to intermingle with Church affairs. When the Emperor [[Marcianus]] interfered with matters of faith in the Church, the response of [[Pope Saint Dioscorus I of Alexandria(Coptic POV)|Saint Dioscorusof Alexandria]], (the Pope of Alexandria who was later to be exiled, ) to this interference was clear: "You have nothing to do with the Church." It was at [[Chalcedon]] that the emperor would take his revenge for the Pope's frankness.

The [[Council of Chalcedon]] abandoned Cyrillian terminology and declared that Christ was one hypostasis in two natures. However, in the Council's finding were rejected by many Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, "Christ was conceived of the Christians on the fringes Holy Spirit and of the [[Byzantine Empire]]: EgyptiansVirgin Mary, " thus the foundation according to non-Chalcedonians is made clear. In terms of [[SyriaChristology]]ns, [[Armenia]]nsthe Oriental understanding is that Christ is "One Nature--the Logos Incarnate, " ''of'' the full humanity and othersfull divinity. From The Byzantine understanding is that point onward, Alexandria would have Christ is ''in'' two patriarchs: the "[[Melkite]]" or Imperial Patriarchnatures, now known full humanity and full divinity. (Just as the [[List all of Orthodox Patriarchs us are of Alexandria|Eastern Orthodox Pope our mother and father and not in our mother and Patriarch father, so too is the nature of Alexandria]], Christ. If Christ is in full humanity and the non-Chalcedonian national Egyptian onein full divinity, now known then He is separate in two persons as the [[List of Coptic PopesNestorianism|Coptic Pope and Patriarch of AlexandriaNestorians]]teach. Almost the entire Egyptian population rejected the terms of the Council of Chalcedon Imagine your nature in your mother and remained faithful to the national Egyptian Church (now known as the Coptic Church)your father; you are then two different people. Those who supported the Chalcedonian definition remained in [[Full communion|communion]] with the other leading churches If however your nature is of [[Rome]] your mother and your father, then you are one person [[Constantinople]http://www.geocities.com/mfignatius/others/byzantine01.html]. The non-Chalcedonian party became what ) This is today called the [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox Church]]linguistic difference which separated the Orientals from the Byzantines.

The Chalcedonians sometimes called Council's finding were rejected by many of the Christians on the fringes of the Byzantine Empire: Egyptians, Syrians, Armenians, and others. From that point onward, Alexandria would have two patriarchs: the non-Chalcedonians "[[monophysitism|monophysitesMelkite]]"or Imperial Patriarch, though now officially known by the Coptic Church denies that it teaches Egyptian State as the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa [[monophysitism]http://www.greekorthodox-alexandria.org/], which it regards and the non-Chalcedonian national Egyptian one, now known as a heresythe Coptic Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and Apostolic See of St. They have sometimes called Mark. Almost the entire Egyptian population rejected the terms of the Chalcedonian group "[[dyophysitism|dyophysites]]". A term that comes closer Council of Chalcedon and remained faithful to the national Egyptian Church (now known as the Coptic doctrine is "Church). Those who supported the Chalcedonian definition remained in [[miaphysitismfull communion|miaphysitecommunion]]", which refers to a conjoined nature for Christ, both human and divine, united indivisibly in with the other leading churches of the Incarnate LogosRoman Empire. The Coptic Church believes that Christ non-Chalcedonian party became what is perfect in His divinity, and He is perfect in His humanity, but His divinity and His humanity were united in one nature today called "the nature of the incarnate word", which was reiterated by [[Cyril of AlexandriaOriental Orthodoxy|Saint Cyril of AlexandriaOriental Orthodox Church]]. Copts, thus, believe in two natures "human" and "divine" that are united in one ''without mingling, without confusion, and without alteration''. These two natures ''did not separate for a moment or the twinkling of an eye''.

The Coptic Church was regards herself as having been misunderstood at the Council of Chalcedon. Perhaps Some Copts believe that perhaps the Council understood the Church correctly, but wanted to exile the Church, to isolate it her and to abolish the Egyptian, independent Pope, who maintained that Church and State should remain separate. Despite all The Coptic Church regarded that the ousting of Pope Dioscorus of Alexandria in the council of this, Chalcedon was in part due to the rivalry between the Coptic Church has remained very strict Bishops of Alexandria and steadfast Rome. The Tome of Pope Leo of Rome was considered influenced by Nestorian philosophy. It is important to note that Pope Dioscorus of Alexandria was never labeled as heretic by the council's canons. Copts also believe that the Pope of Alexandria was forcibly prevented from attending the third congregation of the council in its faithwhich he was ousted, which apparently was a result of the conspiracy tailored by the Roman delegates. For further info, please refer to [http://www.romanity.org/htm/rom.06.en.orthodox_and_oriental_orthodox_consultation.htm this key paper] on the subject by Professor Fr. [[John S. Romanides]], a prominent Greek Orthodox scholar.

===From Chalcedon Before the current positive era of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox dialogues, Chalcedonians sometimes used to call the Arab conquest of Egypt===Copts suffered under non-Chalcedonians "[[Monophysitism|monophysites]]", though the rule of Coptic Church denies that she teaches monophysitism, which she has always regarded as a heresy. They have sometimes called the Chalcedonian group "[[Eastern Roman EmpireDyophysitism|dyophysites]]". A term that comes closer to Coptic doctrine is "[[Miaphysitism|miaphysite]]" [http://en.wikipedia. The Melkite Patriarchsorg/wiki/Miaphysitism], which refers to a conjoined nature for Christ, appointed by the emperors as both spiritual leaders human and civil governorsdivine, massacred united indivisibly in the Egyptian population whom they considered hereticsIncarnate Logos. Many Egyptians were tortured The Coptic Church believes that Christ is perfect in His divinity, and martyred to accept the terms of ChalcedonHe is perfect in His humanity, but Egyptians remained loyal to His divinity and His humanity were united in one nature called "the faith nature of their fathers and to the Cyrilian view of incarnate word", which was reiterated by [[ChristologyCyril of Alexandria|Saint Cyril of Alexandria]]. One Copts, thus, believe in two natures "human" and "divine" that are united in one hypostasis ''without mingling, without confusion, and without alteration''. These two natures ''did not separate for a moment or the twinkling of the most renowned Egyptian saints an eye'' (Coptic Liturgy of that period is [[Saint Samuel the Confessor]]Basil of Caesarea).

The [[Arab]] conquest of Egypt took place in AD [[641]]. Although the Imperial forces resisted the Arab army under [[Amr ibn al-As]], the majority of the civilian population, having suffered persecution for the differing Christian beliefs, were less hostile; in some cases they welcomed their new masters. Considered "[[People of the Book]]", Christians were allowed to practice their religion, under the restrictions of the Islamic [[Shari'a]] law. This protection stemmed in part from a [[Hadith]] of [[Muhammad|the Prophet]] (whose [[Muhammad's marriages|Egyptian wife]] had been the only one to bear a male child) that advised "When you conquer Egypt, be kind to the Copts for they are your proteges and kith and kin" and in part from a need to have capable administrators. Despite the political upheaval, Egypt remained a predominently Christian land, although gradual conversions to Islam over the centuries had the effect of changing Egypt from a predominantly Christian to a predominantly [[Muslim]] country by the end of the [[12th century]]. This process was sped along by persecutions during and following the reign of the mad [[Fatimid]] caliph [[Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah]] (reigned AD 996-1021) and the [[Crusades]], and also by the acceptance of Arabic as a liturgical language by the [[Coptic Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria|Pope of Alexandria]] [[Pope Gabriel II of Alexandria|, Gabriel ibn-Turaik]].

The position of the Copts began to improve early in the 19th century under the stability and tolerance of [[Muhammad Ali of Egypt|Muhammad Ali]]'s dynasty. The Coptic community ceased to be regarded by the state as an administrative unit and, by [[1855]], the main mark of Copts' inferiority, the ''Jizya'' tax, was lifted. Shortly thereafter, Christians started to serve in the Egyptian army. The [[1919 revolution]] in Egypt, the first grassroots display of Egyptian identity in centuries, stands as a witness to the homogeneity of Egypt's modern society with both its Muslim and Christian components. However, recently (2005-2006) Christians have unfortunately been persecuted in various parts of Egypt.

By some accounts there are about 60 million Coptic Orthodox Christians in the world: they are found primarily in Egypt (roughly 15 million), Ethiopia (roughly 38 million [[Imagehttp:Festival_1//www2.jpg|thumb|450px|left|Coptic Festival in Upper Egyptwcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-05-55.html]]The current Coptic Orthodox [[Patriarch of Alexandria|Pope of Alexandria ), and Eritrea (roughly 2 million), but there are significant numbers in North America, Europe, Australia, Sudan and Israel, and in diaspora throughout the Patriarch of world making approximately another 3 to 4 million. However, as applied to the Holy See of Saint Mark]] is [[Pope Shenouda III]] (his title should not be confused with that Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Tewahedo Church of the [[Roman CatholicEthiopia]] , which in 1959 was granted her first own Patriarch by Coptic Pope [[Pope]]Cyril VI (Atta). The most recent Greek-Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria is [[Patriarch Theodoros II |Cyril VI of Alexandria|Theodoros II]], the word ''Coptic'' can be considered a misnomer because it means ''Egyptian''. There is a small The [[Coptic Catholic Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Eritrean Orthodox Church]] ([[Eastern Rite]] Catholic) which is headed by a Patriarch similarly became independent of Alexandriathe Tewahedo Church during the 1990s. The These three churches remain in [[Melkite Catholic Churchfull communion]] (with each other and with the other [[Eastern RiteOriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox]] Catholic) has little presence in Egypt, but is headed by a Patriarch of Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalemchurches.

By some accounts there are more than 40 million Coptic Since the 1980s theologians from the the Oriental Orthodox and Chalcedonian Orthodox Christians churches have been meeting in a bid to resolve the theological differences, and have concluded that many of the world: they differences are found primarily in [[Egypt]] caused by the two groups using different terminology to describe the same thing (roughly 10 million), see [[EthiopiaAgreed Official Statements on Christology with the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches]] (roughly 30 million). In the summer of 2001, the Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Patriarchates of Alexandria [[Eritrea]] Pastoral Agreement between the Coptic Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Patriarchates of Alexandria (roughly 2 million2001), but there are significant numbers in [[Sudan]] and [[Israel|agreed]]to mutually recognize baptisms performed in each other's churches, making rebaptisms unnecessary, and in diaspora throughout to recognize the world. However, sacrament of marriage as applied to celebrated by the [[Tewahedo Church]] of Ethiopiaother. Previously, which before 1950 was if a part of the Coptic Church of Egyptand Greek wanted to marry, the word ''Coptic'' can marriage had to be considered a misnomer because performed twice, once in each church, for it means ''Egyptian''to be recognized by both. The [[Eritrean Orthodox Church]] similarly became independent of the Tewahedo Church during the 1990s. These three churches remain Now it can be done in [[full communion]] with each other only one church and with the other [[Oriental Orthodox]] churchesbe recognized by both.

Since In the 1980s theologians from the two groups have been meeting in a bid to resolve the theological differencesCoptic Church only men may be ordained, and have concluded that many of the differences they must be married before they are caused by the two groups using different terminology to describe the same thing. In 1990ordained, the Coptic and Antiochian Orthodox Churches agreed if they wish to mutually recognize baptisms performed in each other's churches, making rebaptisms unnecessarybe married. In this respect they follow the summer of 2001, same practices as does the Coptic [[Orthodox and Antiochian Church|Eastern Orthodox agreed to recognize the sacrament of marriage as celebrated by the other. Previously, if a Coptic and Greek wanted to marry, the marriage had to be performed twice, once in each church, for it to be recognized by both. Now it can be done in only one church and be recognized by bothChurch]].

In Traditionally, the Coptic Church only men may be ordainedlanguage [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coptic_language] was used in church services, and they must be married before they are ordained, if they wish to be married. In this respect they follow the same practices as does scriptures were written in the Coptic alphabet [[Eastern Orthodox Church]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coptic_alphabet]. However, due to the Arabisation of Egypt, service in churches started to witness increased use of Arabic, while preaching is done entirely in Arabic. Native languages are used, in conjunction with Coptic, during services outside of Egypt.

TraditionallyThe Coptic Orthodox Church has her own, the unique purely religious/liturgical music and chants [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coptic_music], [Coptic|Coptic languagehttp://tasbeha.org/mp3.html], [http://www.saintmina-holmdel.org/Multimedia/index.php] was used in church services, and the scriptures were written in the [[Coptic alphabet]]http://www.coptichymns. However, due to the arabisation of Egypt, service in churches started to witness increased use of Arabic, while preaching is done entirely in Arabicorg/index. Native languages php?module=hymns&func=catview] (some are also used, in conjunction with by Coptic, during services outside of EgyptCatholics).

Following their own church calendar ([[Coptic Calendar]]), Coptic Christians celebrate [[Christmas]] on the [[January 7|7th of January ]] which, since 2002, is an official national holiday in Egypt. The Coptic calendar is the calendar of martyrs. Coptic years are counted from 284 AD, the year Diocletian became Roman Emperor, whose reign was marked by tortures and mass executions of Christians, especially in Egypt. Hence, the Coptic year is identified by the abbreviation AM (for ''Anno Martyrum'' or "Year of the Martyrs").

==Prominent Copts==*'''Saints'''** The Coptic Orthodox Church also has her own distinguished Coptic art [[Abraam Bishop of Fayoum|Sthttp://www. Abraam Bishop of Fayoum]] الأنبا إبرآم أسقف الفيوم** [[Anthony the Great|Stcoptic. Anthony the Great]] القديس الأنبا أنطونيوس أب الرهبان** [[Athanasius of Alexandria|Stnet/articles/CopticArtOfEgypt. Athanasius the Apostolic]txt] البابا أثناسيوس الرسولي** , [[Cyril of Alexandria|Sthttp://www. Cyril of Alexandria]] القديس البابا كيرلس السكندري عامود الدين** [[Cyril VI|Pope Cyril VI of Alexandria]] قداسة البابا كيرلس السادس** [[Demiana|Stcopticmuseum. Demiana]] الشهيدة دميانة** [[Didimos|Stgov. Didimos]] القديس ديديموس الضرير** [[Dioscores|Steg/English/internal/gallery. Dioscoresasp]] البابا ديسقوروس** [iconography [Mary of Egypt|Sthttp://www. Mary of Egypt]] القديسة مريم المصرية** [[Saint Mina|Stcoptic. Mina]] الشهيد مارمينا العجايبي** [[Saint Maurice|Saint Maurice]] القديس موريس قائد الكتيبة الطيبية**[[Moses the Black|Stnet/articles/CopticIcons. Moses the Blacktxt]] القديس موسى الأسود** [, [Pakhom|Sthttp://www. Pakhom]] القديس باخوم أب الشركة** [[Parsoma|Sttheotokos. Parsoma]] الأنبا برسوم العريان** [[Pavly the Anchorite|Storg/CopticIcons/IconGallery. Pavly the Anchorite]htm]** [, [Samuel the Confessor|Sthttp://www. Samuel the Confessor]]** [[Shenouty the Archmendrite|Stcopticmuseum. Shenouty the Archmendrite]]** [[Simon the Shoemaker|Stgov. Simon the Shoemaker]]** [[Takla Haymanot|Steg/English/internal/gallery_pieces. Takla Haymanotasp?section_id=1]] القديس الأنبا تكلا هيمانوت الحبشي القس** and architecture [[Tigy|Sthttp://www.copticarchitecture. Tigycom/]]** , [[Verena|Sthttp://www.coptic.net/articles/OldCairoCopticChurches. Verenatxt]] القديسة فيرينا.

*'''Clergymen'''[[Abanoub]]*[[Abdel Messih El-Makari]]*[[Pope Shenouda III Abraam Bishop of Alexandria|HH Pope Shenouty IIIFayoum]], the current Pope of Alexandria الأنبا إبرآم أسق�ا�فيو� * [[Andrews (Ibrahim) the Samuelite]]* [[Anthony the Great]] ال�ديسالأنبا �نطونيو� أ� ال�ه���  *'''Politicians'''**[[Boutros GhaliAthanasius of Alexandria|Athanasius the Apostolic]], Prime Minister of Egypt الباب� أثن�س �وسالرسولي*[[Bishoy]]*[[Boutros Boutros-Ghali|Boutros Boutros GhaliBishoy Kamel]], Former * [[Secretary General Cyril of the United NationsAlexandria]] القديس الب�با كيرلس الس �ن�ر� عامو �الدين**[[Makram EbeidCyril VI (Atta) of Alexandria]] �داسة الباباكير�س ا ���دس** [[Kamal StinoDemiana]], Former Vice Prime Minister of Egypt �لشه��� ��يان�**[[Youssef Boutros GhaliDidymus the Blind]] القدي��� ���� �الضرير**[[Dina Habib PowellPope Saint Dioscorus I of Alexandria (Coptic POV)|Dioscorus I]] Bush Undersecretary of State for cultural affairs  *'''20th Century Prominent Copts'''البابا ديسقوروس** [[Professor Naguib Pasha MahfouzMacarius the Great]] (1882-1974), Obstetric fistula pioneer and the father of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Egypt ** [[Sir Magdi Yacoub Mary of Egypt]], leading cardiologist in the world �ل�ديسة مر ي� المص���** [[Isaac Fanous]], the father of modern [[Coptic]] [[iconographyMaurice]] القديس موري� قائدالك �يبةا�طيب��*[[Mikhail Ibrahim]]*[[Mary MoneibMenas|Mina]] الشهيد مارمي �ا العج�يبي**[[Ester FanousMoses the Black]] �لقديس�و� �ا�أسو�*[[Mina (Rizk) AvaMina]]*[[Sobhi GergisPachomius the Father of Coenobitic Monasticism|Pakhom]] �لقديس باخوم أب�� �ر��**[[Margret NakhlaBarsoum El-Erian|Parsoma (Barsoum El-Erian)]] �لأنب��ر�� ��ل�ريان*[[Paulus the First Hermit|Paul the Anchorite]]*[[Sandra NashaatPhilopatyr Mercurius]]*[[Samuel the Confessor]]*[[Shenouda the Archimandrite|Shenoute the Archimandrite]]*[[Simon the Shoemaker]]*[[Takla Haymanot of Ethiopia|Takla Haymanot]] ���د�سالأ ن��ت**[[Michel Bakhoom]] كلا هيم�نو��لح بشيا���**[[Nabih YoussefTigy]] Leading civil engineer in the U.S.**[[Onsi SawirisVerena]] Founder of Orascom Corp. and richest man in Egypt**[[Fayez Sarofim]] Billionaire Houston financierالقديسة فيرينا

**[[List :Category:Coptic interpretations of Patriarchs of Alexandriathe Fourth Ecumenical Council]] – prior to the schism*[[Heritage of the Coptic Catholic Orthodox Church]]

==External links==*[http://www.CopticPope.org Official Website of the Coptic Pope]* '''Video - Christianity in Egypt and the History of Coptic Monasticism:''' **[Copt|The Coptshttp://www.copticchurch.org/Video/CopticHistory/Christianity%20in%20Egypt.avi Christianity in Egypt]; **[http://www.copticchurch.org/Video/CopticHistory/Types%20of%20Monasteries.avi Three Kinds of Monasticism]; **The Monastery of El-Moharrak: [http://www.copticchurch.org/Video/CopticHistory/Egypt%20General%20Stills.avi Vol.1], [Coptic Languagehttp://www.copticchurch.org/Video/CopticHistory/El%20Maharek.avi Vol.2], [http://www.copticchurch.org/Video/CopticHistory/Pope.avi Vol.3]; **The History of Monasticism (St. Anthony): [http://www.copticchurch.org/Video/CopticHistory/St%20Anthony.avi Vol.1], [Coptic Calendarhttp://www.copticchurch.org/Video/CopticHistory/St%20Anthony's%20Cave.avi Vol.2]; **[http://www.copticchurch.org/Video/CopticHistory/St%20Bishoy.avi St. Bishoy's Monastery]; **[[Coptic Alphabet]http://www.copticchurch.org/Video/CopticHistory/St%20Makarious.avi St. Makarious' Monastery]; **[[Coptic Art]http://www.copticchurch.org/Video/CopticHistory/St%20Mina.avi St. Mina's Monastery]*[[http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/copticchristians.htm An Overview of the Coptic Music]Christians of Egypt by Lara Iskander and Jimmy Dunn]  *[[Egypt]http://www.coptichymns.net coptichymns.net] ==Further external links==''The hub of the Coptic Media Network''* [http://www.CopticPopecopticheritage.org copticheritage.org ] ''The Official Website of HH Pope Shenouda IIIthe Heritage of the Coptic Orthodox Church''* [http://st-takla.org/Links/Coptic-links-1.html Links to ALL Coptic sites]* [http://www.zeitun-eg.org Holy Virgin Mary Apparitions over the domes of Her Coptic Orthodox Church in Zeitun, Cairo, Egypt, 1968- seen by millions]* [http://www.zeitun-eg.net/stcyril6/ The late Pope Kyrillos VI (Cyril the Sixth), 116th Pope of Alexandria and See of St. Mark (Coptic Orthodox Patriarch, 1959-1971)]

[[Category:Ancient Roman ChristianityJurisdictions|Alexandria (Coptic)]][[Category:Oriental Orthodox churches|Alexandria]][[Category:Religion Orthodoxy in EgyptAfrica]]

[[ar:قبطكنيسة قبطية أرثوذكسية]][[defr:Koptische KircheÉglise d'Alexandrie (copte)]][[esro:Iglesia Copta]][[he:קופטים]][[lb:Koptesch Kierch]][[nl:Koptisch Christendom]][[no:Den koptiske kirke]][[ja:コプト正教会]][[pt:Igreja Copta]][[ru:Коптская Православная Церковь]][[sv:Koptisk-ortodoxa kyrkanBiserica din Alexandria (coptă)]]